The Russellville Police Department (RPD) is enhancing its fleet with the addition of eight 2014 Ford Interceptor Utility vehicles.

According to RPD officials, the decision to move from a Crown Victoria or other sedan to the Interceptor was based on both ergonomics and economics.

The Interceptor is designed to be more comfortable for officers as they will spend much of their 12-hour shift in the vehicle.

"We want to make sure that's as comfortable as can be for them," RPD Capt. Jarrod Smith said.

The units also offer hands-free Bluetooth operation of the officers' cellular phones and integration of the police mobile radio's functions into the steering wheel of the vehicle.

From an economic perspective, the cost of a fully-equipped Interceptor is about $600 more than a Crown Victoria, but it maintains a better resale value and has better gas mileage — even while offering more horsepower — than the Crown Victoria.

The Interceptor also has a better turning radius, an extra inch of ground clearance and more cargo space than the sedan.

RPD maintains a five-year replacement program for its vehicles, and the new Interceptors are being incorporated into the fleet as part of the program. The department anticipates incorporating more of the SUVs into its fleet as more of the older cars are retired.

Four of the eight Interceptors have already been equipped and will be out on the streets after officers go through a "driving school" to become comfortable with the new vehicles.

"No officer is going to drive these on the street until they have been through that training," Smith said.